Infosecurity Europe, ExCeL London, 07 March 2024: Infosecurity Europe 2024, taking place at ExCeL London from 4 - 6 June 2024, announced that renowned technology ethics broadcaster, researcher and author Stephanie Hare would deliver the keynote address at the eighth annual Women in Cybersecurity event on Wednesday, 5 June.

Hare, author of Technology is Not Neutral: A Short Guide to Technology Ethics, brought extensive experience spanning foreign policy research, technology company strategy, consultancy research and journalism. Her keynote explored the implications of living through a technological revolution, including the historical, political and contemporary aspects of artificial intelligence (AI), data privacy, policymaking and cybersecurity.

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What Did Stephanie Hare Discuss at Women in Cybersecurity?

Stephanie Hare's keynote examined the wider social and ethical implications of rapid technological change, with a focus on AI, data privacy, policymaking and cybersecurity.

The Women in Cybersecurity event provided an opportunity to consider how these developments affect organisations, individuals and the future of the cybersecurity industry.

Now in its eighth year, the event had grown into a key part of the Infosecurity Europe conference programme, with increasing demand for discussions that highlight women's experiences, expertise and achievements across cybersecurity.

Nicole Mills, Exhibition Director at Infosecurity Group, said:

“Last year’s Women in Cybersecurity event saw another full house as attendees took to the theatre to hear from our keynote and panel of inspiring women. We continue to drive a need for change and showcase the multitude of experience and varied female voices and experts in cybersecurity. This year, promises more motivating discussions and a vision for future generations of women in cyber."

Why Does Women in Cybersecurity Matter?

The 2024 Women in Cybersecurity event brought together women in the industry, employers and allies to discuss some of the challenges and opportunities facing women across cybersecurity.

Topics included:

  • The gender pay gap
  • Imposter syndrome
  • Mentorship
  • Career development
  • Negotiation skills
  • Diversity and inclusion
  • Attracting and retaining women in cybersecurity

The event was hosted by Beth Maundrill, Editor of Infosecurity Magazine, and featured a keynote from Hare, a panel discussion with women working across the industry and networking opportunities.

Beth Maundrill said:

“We are delighted to have Stephanie Hare as our keynote speaker for the Women in Cybersecurity event at Infosecurity Europe. Stephanie's diverse expertise and insights into the technological landscape will undoubtedly provide attendees with valuable perspectives on the future of cybersecurity.”

How Can Organisations Support Women in Cybersecurity?

The event was not limited to women working in cybersecurity. Allies and employers were also encouraged to attend and learn how they could support, attract and retain women within their teams.

The discussion highlighted the importance of creating workplaces where women can develop their careers, access mentorship and progress into leadership positions.

Sara Teare, co-founder at 1Password, said:

“As a founder within the cybersecurity community, and growing the company for almost two decades, I know firsthand that this industry comes with its own pressures. I’ve taken the time to find the opportunities to learn new ways forward when unforeseen circumstances or setbacks arise, and look for ways to grow.”

She added:

“I believe strongly in leading by example and taking an active role in mentorship and career development, along with working within our team to find ways to better support the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women in all technology roles. Taking these steps to help create an environment where women can excel within cybersecurity allows us all to build strong products and a safer, more secure future for all.”

The Role of Mentorship in Cybersecurity Careers

Mentorship and professional development were key themes of the Women in Cybersecurity programme.

Providing access to experienced professionals can help employees navigate career development, identify opportunities and build the confidence needed to progress within the technology industry.

The event also highlighted the role employers can play in creating pathways for women to enter, develop and advance within cybersecurity and other technology roles.

Who Sponsored Women in Cybersecurity?

The Women in Cybersecurity event was sponsored by 1Password and Akamai FLAME (Female Learning and Mentoring Experience).

Akamai FLAME focuses on supporting and empowering female technology talent through executive sponsorship, knowledge sharing and professional development.

Natalie Billingham, SVP EMEA Sales and Channels & Managing Director EMEA at Akamai Technologies, said:

“Akamai FLAME (Female Learning and Mentoring Experience) is passionate about supporting and empowering female tech talent to help shape the future of our industry. We’re proud sponsors of the Women in Cybersecurity event as it champions women across the tech industry - whether you’re starting out in your career or progressing up the ladder.”

Billingham added:

“We hope to empower women to take charge of their careers and keep their tech flame alive by nurturing a spirit of executive sponsorship, knowledge sharing, and growth mindset. #KeepYourTechFlameAlive”

Why Are Women in Cybersecurity Still Important?

Although the Women in Cybersecurity event took place at Infosecurity Europe 2024, the issues it addressed remain relevant to organisations facing cybersecurity skills and talent challenges.

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As organisations adopt AI and other emerging technologies, they need cybersecurity professionals with a broad range of technical, strategic and ethical perspectives. Improving diversity, mentorship and career development can help organisations build and retain a stronger cybersecurity workforce.

EM360Tech has explored the challenges women can face within the cybersecurity industry, as well as the achievements of influential women working across the sector.

Key Takeaways

  • Stephanie Hare delivered the keynote at the 2024 Women in Cybersecurity event.
  • Hare explored AI, data privacy, policymaking, cybersecurity and technology ethics.
  • The event addressed challenges including the gender pay gap, imposter syndrome, mentorship and career development.
  • Employers and allies were encouraged to consider how they can support, attract and retain women in cybersecurity.
  • Mentorship, executive sponsorship and professional development were highlighted as important tools for supporting women in technology.
  • The themes remain relevant as organisations address the continuing cybersecurity skills and talent gap.

About the Event

Women in Cybersecurity was held as part of Infosecurity Europe 2024 at ExCeL London on 5 June 2024.

About RX

RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all its people.

RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com.

About Akamai FLAME

Akamai FLAME (Female Learning and Mentoring Experience) was created to support and empower female tech talent and help shape the future of the industry through executive sponsorship, knowledge sharing and growth mindsets. Please join the FLAME LinkedIn group to find out more.

About 1Password

Trusted by over 100,000 businesses and millions of consumers, 1Password offers industry-leading identity security solutions to reduce risk for companies and provide people with peace of mind. 1Password is on a mission to ease the tension between security and convenience, with solutions that enable powerful password management, secrets management for developers, as well as the future of authentication with passkeys.

Since our founding in 2005, 1Password continues to build on the foundation of a beloved, award-winning password manager with its enterprise security platform now trusted by customers like IBM, Slack, GitLab, Under Armour, and Intercom.